Eastern diamondback rattlesnake spotted in Jacksonville field

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FOX 13) - A Jacksonville couple literally stopped in their tracks when they spotted a Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, estimated to be about 6 feet long, in a Jacksonville field.

Lindsey Nilsen and Zack Dick saw the snake while driving, and were so shocked by its size that they pulled over on Monday, reports FOX 40. 

"It struck my attention because we're going about 70 mph and I saw that snake," Dick said to FOX 40. "I've never seen one that large. It had to have been 6 foot. I think it's mixed with Godzilla."

The animal emerged near Brannan Field and the Argyle Forest exit as Nilsen’s car approached.

Lindsey captured video showing the snake near their car, but later it slithered away. She shared the video and photos on Facebook, saying “P.S. We did not kill it.” 

"You definitely don't want to mess with him," Nilsen added.

Wildlife officials told FOX 40 the snake was an Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.  

"They usually range in size from 3 to 6 feet, so it's a healthy snake for sure," said Karen Parker of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "As the weather gets warmer, we're probably going to see more snakes come out to sun themselves and look for food."

Parker said if people spot the rattlesnake, they should observe it from a distance and don’t try to capture it. 

The species can be found throughout Florida, including in barrier islands and the Florida Keys.